Understand that this should only be attempted with smaller dogs, and that it should not be done of the dogs are actively biting, as they will bite your legs. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you're the only person close to the fighting dogs, you'll need to try to … Plus, it is a felony to have possession of a dog(s) for the purpose of dog fighting, and it is a felony to bring a minor to a dog fight. What you have to do to stop an attack by a pit bull is create a distraction compelling enough to jolt the pit bull out of the idiopathic rage syndrome — the kill-or-be-killed mindset of the fighting dog… The best way to break up a dog fight is to prevent one from starting. The better thing to do is to know how to stop a dog fight … This might be your first impulse, but when dogs are really fighting, they may whip around and bite instinctively, even without any past aggression. ", neutered. If the dogs are very small, then you may be able to step between the two dogs to block their view from each other and diffuse the situation. Preventing Aggressive Behavior Have your dogs "fixed." Animals may attack anything in the fight zone, and serious bites can result. Here are a few common reasons to get you started: The hound likes to chase the cat, even if it is for play, this makes the feline stressed and provokes her. Is it too late to train her to not show aggression? Drag the dog into a dog pen or another room before you release the back legs. More portable than a hose is a canister of citronella spray, but you have to have it with you and most people don’t think it will stop a serious fight. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. We think that our dog won't bite us. If you need to break up a dog fight, try to make as much noise as possible to distract them, like yelling, clapping your hands, or banging loud objects together. Good ideas. Most times, owners are looking for information on how to separate dogs or rescue their dog when a fight is already happening. If you are a dog owner than a dogfight will probably happen at some point. We’ll talk more about the warning signs of each specific type of fight … Try grabbing a leash, use your excited voice, and tell your dogs it is time to go for a walk. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered … So, what can you do? There are some harnesses that have a hook for the leash on the dog's chest. And under normal circumstances this is true. Alternatively, use a large object such as a chair to separate the two dogs. I was told a referees whistle can break up a dogfight also. Is there a special dog collar I should use while training my dog not to pull on the leash? They may start to fight again when they see each other. In particular, if one or more of the dogs becomes aggressive towards you, don't turn and run — continue to face the dog, stand still, and avoid eye contact. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Instead of using your body to stop the fight, use a broom or chair or spray water on the dogs with a water hose to separate the dogs and stop the fight. The best way to avoid a dog fight is knowing your dog! Last Updated: September 3, 2020 Aim specifically for the eyes and nose of the more aggressive... Citronella spray like Spray Shield or vinegar spray in the face may … This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. You can only use this method if there is another person with you. This is what I do with aggressive cases – stop the bad dog behavior at the very instance you see it about to escalate. Use a belt or a tie as a temporary leash if the dog does not have one, and if you are alone. How to handle a Dog fight. Use foresight before placing your dog in stressful situations that may lead to a fight. No. When the dogs' bodies are rigid and it's clear they're actually fighting, not playing, don't risk reaching your hand in there. Once they have been separated, keep the dogs out of each other's sight. But I was also told that that was one of the worst things to do, so thank you for that tidbit. Dog fighting is illegal across the U.S. and is a felony offense in all 50 U.S. states. Sometimes, they fight and get hurts. It does seem there a lot of unsafe ways that can lead to severe bites. Dog fighting is illegal across the U.S. and is a felony offense in all 50 U.S. states. ", operation on it, so I won't do this again. Not all dogs … This method is not advised for large dogs, such as German shepherds, since it is possible to receive collateral damage from a nasty bite to the groin. Exercise some common sense. of 3: I couldn't get to a bucket of water, but thanks to you, I knew to grab a chair and shove it between them! And under normal circumstances this is true. There are several different techniques that can be used to quickly stop a fight, but a lot depends on the individual situation and the breed of dogs that are fighting… Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. ", "How to break up a dog fight is helpful!". "I like the idea about lifting the hind legs off the floor. This technique is especially effective when done with more than one person. Does your dog bark, pounce, and snap? It could also be a hierarchical dispute where one of your dogs wants to reinforce their position as the alpha. If you have an unpredictable dog, it is a good idea to warn other … This article has been viewed 257,327 times. I wouldn't use a water gun. The original version of this article appeared in the “Ask Dr. Kevin” column in Family Dog. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. ", "It gave me new options to try and I learned ways I didn't know I could do. Understand that you are at potential risk of injury yourself. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Nearly every time I've tried to separate fighting dogs, I've been bitten. How to stop a dog fight.That’s a commonly searched phrase in the dog owner forums. Instead, try dousing them with water from a hose, bucket, or water bottle, if you have any nearby. ", "Very interesting and informative, thank you. In this case, however, your repertoire of reinforcers is larger, including the use of food … A very large dog might accidentally hurt a small dog, for example. There can be dozens of reasons for this, especially if the dogs are the same gender. Yes, they likely would. One has started to show dominance and possess some, "Dogs fighting can be a terrifying thing. It is not necessary to kick or try to hurt the dogs; the goal is to separate them. Show her the other dog is nice, too, and gradually allow her to adapt. Use a Shock Sound to Stop a Dog Fight Grunting can work with a lot of dogs. All rights belong to NGC. Introduce new dogs to each other slowly — this approach is much more likely to avoid fights than allowing the dogs to negotiate their own meeting. Once you have separated the dogs, don't forget to protect yourself. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to stop a dog fight before it gets started, read on! ", Also, clanging metal objects together. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 257,327 times. Next you need to observe your pets and figure out why your dog and cat fight. Signs of damaged nerves in the tail include a droopy tail that just hangs, and not being able to wag the tail. Dogs … Sometimes a loud noise is enough to distract the dogs out of fighting. ", don't like him, so I have to encourage him to carry on walking; then he cries until that dog is out of sight. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. I hope that our continuing training will help. Blow loud, shrill blasts from a whistle, such as a police whistle, right above the fight to distract the … When dogs wrestle and nip at one another they're usually just getting some playful exercise. Breaking up dog fights is a risky business, but knowing a little bit about judging when and how to intervene can only make the prospect safer for you. Let’s first focus on the wrong ways to stop a dogfight. Throwing a blanket over them was a new idea to try, thank you! Don’t become a victim in a dogfight. Yell, shriek, stomp your feet, and clap your hands — whatever you can do to attract the dogs' attention. Why Dog Fights Happen (and How to Prevent Them) There’s a huge variety of things that can trigger a dog fight; knowing the types and recognizing warning signs is key to success. The youngest one is larger than the oldest. My dogs get along and then start fighting randomly. You can stop a dog fight by observing body language. Never put your hands or body between two dogs that are actively fighting. In any event, make sure the dogs have a cool down period and "make up" after the fight to avoid lingering animosity. Be safe rather than sorry. A few days ago in Surrey, British Columbia, four women received severe dog bite injuries requiring medical treatment. This article has good advice, especially about never reaching into the, "Your article is very informative and educational. I have 2 male dogs, but neither is, "I have 2 female dogs. He is the one that has the aggression problems. People talk … As in CAT, the BAT procedure reinforces behaviors other than aggression in the presence of the other dog. We’ll talk more about the warning signs of each specific type of fight here. It is always good to learn things such as this when you have a wonderful, "My dog is very aggressive to other alpha dogs. This article has been viewed 257,327 times. Make a loud noise. ", often wondered if it would just fuel the aggression. Sometimes, though, the roughhousing gets out of control and you've got a full-blown dogfight on your hands. When your dog pulls, he will immediately be turned around. As a result, dog fighting … These tips are just so helpful. This article is very helpful as I never knew the proper way to break up a dog fight and also how to introduce, "This was great information, as my dog loves other dogs and will mix with any dog. It is a felony offense under federal law as well. You don’t need to break up the fight unless one dog is in real danger or if it is in heat or pregnant. Here are a few: There probably isn’t one surefire way to break up a dogfight. Use a Vest or Bandana on your Dog. Indoors, try a bucket of water. But pit bulls may ignore these signals , which means that a pit bull fight can lead to serious damage—or worse—if the fight is not broken up. ", to pull them apart. I am nervous when walking her. Why Dog Fights Happen (and How to Prevent Them) There’s a huge variety of things that can trigger a dog fight; knowing the types and recognizing warning signs is key to success. If fights are a regular problem in your household you might attach a handle to a sheet of plywood so you can lower it between two sparring dogs and force them apart. The intense, violent nature of the fight may cause even your own dog not to recognize your hand or arm as separate from the rival dog. It really depends on how hard they bite and what condition their teeth are in, but generally, yes, it hurts. This forces the dogs onto the front legs, which causes … A clip from the Dog Whisperer S06E03 Pekaso and Yogi & Smokey Blood Brothers. More portable than a hose is a canister of citronella spray, … 4 Safe Ways To Break Up A Dog Fight 1. Will a dog be irritated if I spray it with a water gun instead of a hose? If the fighting has already begun, however, there are some things you can do to stop things before your dogs hurt each other. Have your dogs "fixed. of 3: Distraction. ", "Thanks for this very helpful hints on how to separate dog fights. Go back and take the dog off the fence and put him or her into a dog kennel. Method 2 Also, never grab the dog by the tail and attempt to pull him away from the fight. Watch the dogs' bodies. How to Keep Dogs in the Same House from Fighting Method 1 After a … Plus, it is a felony to have possession of a dog(s) for the purpose of dog fighting, and it is a felony to bring a minor to a dog fight. This helped me figure out other ways to introduce her to them. Can I press charges? Wheelbarrow Method. But the little dogs bark and, "Thanks for the advice on pulling the dog's hind legs to break up a fight. If you're the only person close to the fighting dogs, you'll need to try to distract them and … 2 are adolescent, and they are full of energy. Both adults needs to grab the... 2. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Many so-called dog fights are really just spats that consist of a lot of noise and … So our next instinct is to physically separate the dogs. Approved. Shouting and clapping your hands will sometimes do the trick, but this won’t have much effect in more serious fights—the very ones that need intervention. Try making a loud noise such as slamming a door. Forget about trying to inflict pain. If you are going to a dog park or another location where there will be unfamiliar dogs, bring a spray bottle to use in an emergency. I hope to not have to try these techniques, but wanted any more knowledge, as knowledge is power. The puppy wants to play fight … ", article through trial-and-error, and they work. Always leash your dog when you're outside to be safe. Simultaneously, you should each grab the hind legs of one of the dogs and lift. This works best if someone else is there to grab the legs of the other dog so you can pull them apart. This is one of the best, "I found it all to be very informative. Stopping a Fight 1. We think that our dog won't bite us. I was told to pull the dogs' back legs, and when my two male pits went at it over food, I did, "Yes! Trainers, veterinarians, dog groomers, and veterinary technicians offer a wide variety of answers. … You may also be able to use a leash looped around the hind legs to pull your dog out of the fight. Throwing a bucket of cold water over two fighting dogs is the best method. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Break-Up-a-Dog-Fight-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Break-Up-a-Dog-Fight-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Break-Up-a-Dog-Fight-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid184929-v4-728px-Break-Up-a-Dog-Fight-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"